Huron County, Ontario – The Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (HCAAC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 HCAAC Awards on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. These awards recognize exemplary contributions to enhancing accessibility within the Huron community. This year’s honorees have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to facility design, service accessibility, and promoting inclusive practices.
Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Access
Public Category
- Huronview & Huronlea Homes for the Aged
Through a successful community fundraising effort, Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged raised more than $26,000 to purchase two Duet Bikes. These accessible bikes allow individuals using mobility devices to be safely seated at the front while staff pedal from behind, offering an inclusive outdoor recreation option for residents. This project demonstrates strong collaboration and a practical improvement to the quality of life.
- Municipality of Huron East
During Seaforth’s Homecoming ‘Doors Open’ event, the Municipality of Huron East produced virtual tours of heritage buildings that were not physically accessible to all. These digital tours provide broader public access to Seaforth’s historic spaces and preserve the community’s heritage for future use.
- Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation’s Trail Mobile program features a six-seat accessible cart which allows individuals with mobility limitations to experience the South Huron Trail at no cost and is supported by volunteer drivers. The program encourages outdoor participation and increases access to nature-based recreation.
- Clinton Raceway
Clinton Raceway removed its former grandstand and constructed a new, fully accessible facility, including an elevator, accessible upper viewing areas, and new washrooms. This design supports access for all spectators, including people with disabilities, seniors, and families.
- Kinsmen Club of Goderich
The Kinsmen Club has shown a clear commitment to accessibility by investing over $200,000 to make their building and playground more accessible. Recent projects include the addition of a pavilion and paved routes through the park and to the pavilion, as well as the installation of a chairlift and elevator shaft to enable people with disabilities and older adults to easily access all three levels of the building.
Business Category
- The Blyth Inn (“The Boot”)
The Inn has created an all-gender accessible washroom on the main level with clear turning space, power door functions, fold-down grab bars, and strong colour contrast. This upgrade supports patrons using mobility devices and reflects ongoing efforts to improve accessibility throughout the property.
Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award
Julie Sawchuk
Julie is a former member of the HCAAC and the HCAAC Site Plan Review Subcommittee, where she contributed exceptional expertise, particularly in accessible washroom design. She also created the Public Accessible Spaces Simplified (PASS) program, now used across all nine partner municipalities. As a Rick Hansen Foundation–certified educator, international speaker, and author of Building Better Bathrooms and Building Your Space, Julie has profoundly influenced how people across our County understand and implement accessibility.
The HCAAC applauds all awardees for their efforts and dedication to making Huron County a place for everyone.
Learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities/background
For more information, visit: www.HuronCounty.ca